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TIME magazine recently featured artwork from Georgia College Assistant Art professor Michael Murphy in their Person of the Year edition.

Murphy was commissioned by the magazine’s art director to create an image of President Barack Obama, who was named the person of the year.

“Initially they asked me to create it only using red and blue to show the electoral divide,” said Murphy. “I couldn’t get that to work for me, so I went in a different direction and they liked the idea.”

Made of 66 pieces of cardboard, the seven foot tall sculpture hangs from a steel frame.

The artwork was originally scheduled to appear on the cover of the magazine, but at the last minute, the art director decided on a different piece.

“They told me it was because of school shooting tragedy in Conn.,” said Murphy. “Instead of something bright like my artwork, they felt they needed something a little more serious.”

Murphy’s work was showcased on page 14 of the magazine. An interactive version was also featured in the iPad edition.

“This exposure will advance his career as an artist, and enhance the reputation of the Art Department,” said Ken Procter, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We are thrilled that professor Murphy’s work has achieved this level of national recognition.”

This marks the second time Murphy’s artwork has been featured in the magazine.

During 2008, his art was showcased in a full-page spread in Time. Murphy said the art director has already proposed another collaboration in the near future